Actor Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub says hero worship fuels new star system on Indian OTT platforms

Actor Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub told Hindustan Times that the long‑standing Indian habit of worshipping film heroes is now manifesting as a new star system on OTT platforms. He noted that streaming services increasingly rely on a handful of recognizable faces to attract viewers, mirroring the traditional box‑office model.

According to Ayyub, this shift encourages producers to build projects around established actors, treating them as bankable assets rather than focusing solely on story or experimentation. The resulting hierarchy, he said, creates a tiered market where star power often dictates budgets and promotional strategies.

The actor cautioned that while the trend can boost visibility for popular performers, it may also limit opportunities for emerging talent. He urged creators to balance star‑driven projects with space for fresh voices, ensuring the OTT ecosystem remains diverse and innovative.